Loras College Exceeds Duhawk Day Challenge with More Than 1,130 Donors in 24 Hours

5/23/2014

Following Loras College’s 2nd annual Duhawk Day on Thursday, May 22, 2014, the College has announced it received more than 1,130 donors in one day, exceeded its goal of 1,075 donors.

“I give back to Loras because it shows that I care for my community and want to continue its momentum. I'm a proud third-generation Loras graduate, and I want to ensure that many more generations of my family and others can independently choose Loras as their school because it is the best option for them—just as I did,” said Kevin O’Brien (’11), parish and school outreach coordinator at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and a Loras College Young Alumni Advisory Board member. “I have many friends who attended other colleges or universities and had great experiences, but I hear from them over and over again how they only wish their school inspired as much loyalty and pride as Loras.”

Duhawk Day is an annual, world-wide celebration to welcome the newest group of alumni, unite alumni and friends around the world and focus the day on spirit and support for Loras College. Yesterday’s celebration included more than 400 attendees at 17 events across the country and thousands of individuals participating through social media and informal gatherings.

“The focus of Duhawk Day is on spirit and support for Loras College. We are proud of our Loras community for their unmatched generosity and passion for all things Loras,” said Mike Doyle (’91), vice president for institutional advancement. “While we are still calculating the final results, we have exceeded our donor challenge by more than 50 donors and more than doubled the dollars raised last year. This is a testament to our community’s pride and commitment to the College.”

As the donor goal was exceeded, Loras College will receive the $15,000 donation from the anonymous 1985 alumnus who issued a gift-challenge.

“Every day is a great day to be a Duhawk and to carry with us that Loras College pride! Today is an exceptional day to be a Duhawk as we banded together yesterday to show our passion for the school in exceeding our goal of 1,075 donors in a day,” said Lori Thielen (’87), president of East Dubuque Savings Bank and a Loras College National Alumni Board member. “There was an electricity yesterday amongst all the alumni as we proudly supported Loras College. It is a great way to ‘feel’ connected and support the institution that changed our lives."